Milk is a standard health drink consumed by every household all around the South Asian countries—a popular dietary staple drinks worldwide. There are various sources from where the milk is obtained, such as cows, sheep, goats, lamb, etc. Apart from securing dairy products from animals, there are sources such as soy, coconut, flax, rice, etc.
A recent introduction to a newer milk category has garnered people’s attention and trust, known as A2 milk. People who have consumed a2 milk claim that it is easier to digest and light on their health than regular milk available in the market. Several researches support the relationship, but some of them contradict this hypothesis stating that there is no such connection.
There are two subtypes of protein in milk, making it an essential protein source; it is known as casein and whey containing 8 grams (g) per 8-ounce (oz) glass. Casein is the primary type of protein, with approximately 80 percent of its quantity in the milk. The casein protein further has its kind, one of which is beta-casein.
According to various research and observation, experts believe that about 30 percent of beta-casein is available in the A1 and A2 category of milk. But at present, most of the milk produced by a cow is the A1 type, which could cause lactose intolerance.
How differently does A1 & A2 milk affect the body?
Both A1 and A2 milk have different effects on a person’s body. It might react differently depending upon the allergic reactions one has with milk. When a person consumes A1 milk, it is digested in the small intestine, producing a beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7).
New Zealand company first introduced Aa2 milk who claimed that they provide only a2 milk from the cow, which they confirmed after testing their cows’ DNA using their hair sample. The main aim of the test was to prove that their animal’s milk which contains a2. The testing process continues even after final production so that there does not remain any a1 protein in the milk.
Since it has been absorbed by the body and passed on into the blood, the doctors believe that lactose intolerance symptoms are none other than associated with BCM-7. After proper investigation, researchers have confirmed that the structure of A2 milk is more similar to human breast milk, goat milk, or milk from sheep or buffalo.
After careful observation and analysis, the doctors believe that the symptoms of poor digestion in people visible after milk consumption, such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea, are the symptoms of BCM-7 rather than lactose intolerance. A study was conducted to confirm the effects of a1 protein milk in people compared to a2 milk.
The study involved Chinese adults who self-reported mil intolerance. These participants were observed based on consuming regular a1 & a2 milk and only a2 dairy, confirming the intestine and digestion effect. The participants consecutively consumed 8 oz of milk twice a day for two weeks, and the after-effects were much worse with consistent stomach pain.
Although drinking only a2 milk did not show any signs of severe symptoms but were the same as when the participants initially reported them. Other symptoms, such as looser consistency of stools observed in these patients, did not occur after consuming a2 milk. But are there any essential harmful effects of a2 dairy as well?
What are the essential harmful effects of drinking regular milk as compared to A2 milk?
Some of the observed harmful effects of drinking regular milk are-
Inflammation
The study mentioned above where the Chinese adults were tested with the effects of regular milk and a2 milk also showed signs of inflammation in their blood, as analyzed and reported by the study’s researchers. The researchers confirmed that the consumption of regular milk caused inflammation in these adults.
Type 1 Diabetes
A study was conducted on mice fed with A1 protein, and 47 percent of them ended up developing diabetes. But while providing these mice with a2 protein did not develop diabetes. Hence, a conclusive theory suggested that a1 protein in regular cow milk could be a fundamental reason for type 1 diabetes.
Some researchers have claimed that children who have been consuming cow milk from a very early age tend to develop type 1 diabetes later in their lives. There has been a single study that relates the connection between a1 regular milk with type 1 diabetes. But other researchers disagree with these hypotheses and think that there is no firm idea or proof to confirm these hypotheses.
Heart Disease
Another study conducted on the rabbit by feeding them a1 and a2 milk showed higher cholesterol levels. But according to the experts, due to the small size of the study, it couldn’t be generalized over humans. Hence, some studies have claimed that regular milk causes heart disease, but few other studies deny this hypothesis.
Cancer and Brain Functioning
According to researchers, regular milk is a good source of calcium, but it has been causing ovarian cancer in women. In most cases, high calcium could cause ovarian cancer, and dairy products from other milk sources could cause prostate cancer in men.
Moreover, regular milk could make cognitive functioning much slower as compared to consuming a2 milk. The study conducted on the Chinese patients who reported lactose intolerant was much slower in cognitive functioning than other ordinary people. However, there could be many reasons behind this slow mental working.
The only idea at the end is to avoid a1 or a2 milk for people who are lactose intolerant because a2 milk contains the same amount of protein as regular milk does. There could be other reasons to avoid dairy products in case one is into a vegan diet.
It is best to consult your dietician or nutritionist with the choice of your milk. If prescribed, go for milk alternatives that vary according to their protein levels or other nutritional content.
